The follow-up Zoom to When the Answer is No brought together 15 amazing humans, all keen to move from shared frustration to collective action. We talked about class, power, resilience, visibility, and how tired we are of systems that weren’t built for us and we agreed on a set of next steps to move forward.

If you’re interested in being part of what comes next - whether it’s helping map the challenges, co-designing a new space, or simply staying in the loop - drop me a message or comment below.

This is just the beginning.

I want to start by saying thank you to everyone who read the original blog. I’m humbled by the response — not just because it resonated widely, but because it confirmed something we already know: this conversation is long overdue.

To refer to a comment from David Reece, over on my LinkedIn about a different post of mine, but that is relevant to start with here;

‘This comes back to visibility, not just being seen, but being recognised as central to how the cultural system functions and evolves, which as you say puts pressure on everyone to justify their existence, which ultimately signals a lack of trust.

Historically, moments of cultural transformation have come from exactly the spaces freelancers often occupy- the edge, the margin, the experimental, the in-between. But without a rebalancing of power and funding, those spaces risk becoming unsustainable, and then what are we left with.

The bigger problem is that a power structure focused on saving and cutting and austerity, lacks the imperative and imagination for long-term vision and doesn't see opportunities, only problems to solve. That is not a path to sustainability.

And sadly, I think you have to keep calling it out, it's not arcing, it's remaining visible.’ -

David Reece - Chief Strategy Officer at Baker Richards | Data-Empowered Strategy for the Cultural Sector

That visibility - and the recognition that many of us are holding this sector up from the margins - is exactly what this next phase is about.

What We Covered

🧠 Shared Insight & Lived Experience

The themes of class exclusion, power imbalances and systemic inequity hit hard.
Many shared stories of being shut out, overlooked or exhausted by trying to “fit”.
Several admitted they’d stepped back from these conversations — too much emotional labour — but said this space felt different.

💥 We Don’t Want Another Talking Shop

There was clear consensus: this must be action-oriented and sustainable.
We need to make space for pain, yes — but also to build. Alternatives. Experiments. Infrastructure.

🛠️ Practical Next Steps (So Far)

1. Map the Landscape

Research what's already happening - in other regions, sectors, and communities.
We already know of great models like:
• More Than A Moment
• Freelancers Make Theatre Work
• North East Cultural Freelancers Network
• Working Class Creatives
…and we’ll keep adding to this list, there are many more.

2. Workshop the Challenges

We’ll share mini case studies and reflections to build a lived experience archive.
This will help us identify shared barriers and areas of opportunity.

3. Create Two Spaces

• One for processing and giving voice to the pain
• One for doing, building, and experimenting

4. Resource from Within

We all have skills, networks, and assets.
Free spaces were offered in the West Midlands.
Let’s start from what we have.

5. Set Up Communication Channels

• A private group for the working cohort
• A public-facing group to invite broader involvement
Options include WhatsApp, LinkedIn or a private Facebook group (TBC)

6. Define Our Purpose

What exactly are we building?
What values will guide us — visibility, access, leadership, solidarity?
We’ll take time to clarify our shared aim.

7. Stay Slow + Steady

We’ll move at the speed of trust, energy and capacity. This is not a sprint.
This work should be collectively held and generative - not another drain.

📄 The meeting transcript can be downloaded here for full transparency.

If this strikes a chord and you want in - to help shape, build or support - you can reach me on hello@amydaltonhardy.co.uk

Beyond the ‘No’: Where We Go From Here